News Feed

Around 1 in 14 women aged 30–49 in low- and middle-income countries experience early or premature menopause, according to a large study of over 716,000 women across 44 countries. Researchers found the risk was higher among women living in rural areas, those with little or no education, early marriage, early childbirth, and larger families. Higher education and employment were linked to a lower risk. Since early menopause increases the likelihood of heart disease, osteoporosis, depression, and cognitive decline, the findings highlight the need to improve girls' education, delay early marriage, and integrate menopause care into public health programs.

Humans encounter countless animal viruses every day, yet only a tiny fraction ever become global health threats. Most viruses fail because they cannot efficiently bind to human cells, evade our immune defenses, replicate effectively, or spread from one person to another. Environmental factors, wildlife ecology, and human behavior further reduce the chances of sustained transmission. Scientists are now using genomic surveillance, artificial intelligence, and a One Health approach to identify high-risk viruses before they emerge. While better vaccines strengthen pandemic preparedness, preventing dangerous animal-to-human spillover remains the most effective strategy for avoiding future pandemics.

A large international study has found that people with benign adrenal tumors who have persistently high cortisol levels face a significantly greater risk of worsening high blood pressure and other cardiometabolic problems. Researchers followed more than 2,500 patients for nearly seven years and discovered that cortisol levels changed over time in about 22% of cases, challenging the belief that a single hormone test is enough. Patients with consistently elevated cortisol had a 34% higher risk of uncontrolled hypertension. The findings suggest that repeated cortisol testing and closer monitoring may help identify high-risk patients and improve long-term heart and metabolic health.

A new study has uncovered why gently rubbing a baby's back is so effective at calming them. Researchers found that back stroking reduced infants' movements more effectively than touching the head or belly. In newborn mice, it also slowed the heart rate, reduced stress hormones, and helped them fall asleep faster. Surprisingly, the calming response developed only in pups that received normal maternal care, suggesting it is learned through early nurturing rather than being present at birth. The findings highlight how simple caregiver touch can shape brain development and stress regulation, offering new insights into infant care and emotional well-being.

Researchers have discovered how mutations in the JC polyomavirus help it evade antibodies, allowing the virus to escape the immune system in people with weakened immunity. The virus can cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but often fatal brain disease with no effective treatment. By uncovering how antibodies bind to the virus and how mutations disrupt this process, scientists have identified promising targets for future vaccines and antibody-based therapies. Encouragingly, one antibody tested in the study also blocked a related BK polyomavirus, raising the possibility of developing a single treatment or vaccine that protects against both viruses.

A new study has identified a possible reason why some people experience muscle pain and weakness while taking statins, one of the world's most commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications. Researchers found that statins may disrupt energy production in muscle cells, triggering an immune response that leads to muscle damage. Importantly, this process appears to be separate from the mechanism that lowers cholesterol, raising the possibility of future treatments that could prevent muscle-related side effects without reducing the heart-protective benefits of statins. Although more research is needed, the findings offer hope for improving treatment tolerance and helping more patients stay on these life-saving medications.

Researchers have developed a noninvasive brush test that can detect oral cancer in just one hour, offering a faster and less painful alternative to traditional scalpel biopsies. In a study involving more than 1,000 samples, the test accurately identified oral cancer while potentially eliminating over 90% of unnecessary invasive biopsies. Because the test uses a simple brush swab, it can also be repeated regularly to monitor high-risk patients and detect cancer earlier. Although further clinical implementation is needed, this breakthrough could improve early diagnosis, reduce patient discomfort, and increase survival by identifying oral cancer before it reaches advanced stages..

A new study from Spain found significant regional differences in sperm quality, with men in the highest-performing region having nearly twice the total motile sperm count of those in the lowest-performing region. Surprisingly, lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, alcohol use, and physical activity were similar across all regions and did not explain the differences. Researchers suggest that environmental factors, including air pollution and exposure to industrial chemicals, may play a larger role in male fertility than previously thought. While larger studies are needed, the findings highlight the importance of reducing environmental pollution to help protect reproductive health.

A new study involving more than 15,000 people found that eating more ultra-processed foods is linked to a unique pattern of blood metabolites associated with metabolic stress. Researchers discovered that higher intake was related to changes in fats and other molecules involved in energy production, cell function, and lipid metabolism, suggesting these foods may disrupt normal metabolic processes. While the study does not prove that ultra-processed foods cause these changes, it provides new clues about how they may contribute to obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. The findings strengthen recommendations to prioritize minimally processed, nutrient-rich foods for better long-term health.

Scratching a bug bite or rash may feel satisfying, but new research shows it can actually make the itch worse. Scientists found that scratching activates immune cells called mast cells, triggering inflammation and releasing chemicals that intensify itching and swelling. This creates a self-perpetuating "itch-scratch cycle" that can keep irritation going for days. While scratching may offer brief relief and even help remove some germs from the skin, experts say the downsides outweigh the benefits. Instead, try anti-itch creams, calamine lotion, hydrocortisone, oatmeal baths, or menthol-based products to calm the itch without making it worse.